The National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Police Command has unveiled a robust security strategy aimed at transforming Port Moresby into a safe, secure, and welcoming capital city.
The announcement comes as the city prepares to host a series of major international conferences and to celebrate Papua New Guinea’s 51st Independence Anniversary.
Speaking on behalf of the Command, Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab emphasized that maintaining law and order is critical to supporting tourism, business investment, and national confidence.
“Port Moresby is entering an important period with visitors from around the world. We are committed to ensuring the capital is safe, secure, and professionally policed.”
As part of the 2026 Annual Management Plan, the NCD Command has initiated a strategy of quarterly major operations targeting specific public safety concerns.
The first quarter saw the execution of “Operation Street Eviction,” which focused on reclaiming public spaces, improving road safety, and clamping down on public disorder.
The operation targeted illegal activities and behaviors that posed risks to pedestrians and traffic flow.
Addressing recent concerns regarding settlement evictions, the Metropolitan Superintendent clarified that police act only as enforcement agencies for lawful court orders.
“The decision to grant an eviction order rests with the appropriate court and not with the police.”
Following this, the NCD Command launched “Operation Sentinel- High Visibility Policing” in the second quarter.
This intelligence-led initiative increases police presence at crime hotspots, PMV routes, markets, schools, and shopping centres.
The campaign slogan, “Visible Police. Smart Policing. Safer Communities,” underscores the shift toward proactive community engagement.
Recognizing emerging environmental challenges, the Command has integrated strategies to support other government agencies in responding to El Niño and climate-related risks, ensuring public safety during emergencies.
The NCD Metropolitan Command’s 2026 policing strategy is built around two major priorities:
• To make Port Moresby a safer and more secure city, restore public confidence in policing and create an environment that supports tourism, business and investor confidence.
• To establish a strong foundation for a peaceful and secure 2027 National General Election.
Additionally, the NCD Metropolitan Command has commenced awareness campaigns for the National Gun Amnesty.
Officers have encouraged individuals possessing illegal firearms to surrender them voluntarily.
This move is seen as a vital step in reducing violence ahead of the upcoming 2027 National General Election.
A significant portion of the 2026 strategy is dedicated to preparing for the 2027 National General Election.
The Command is conducting extensive research into electoral security, analyzing past election challenges, and studying international best practices.
“The Command is strengthening its understanding of electoral security, including communities vulnerable to election-related violence and stakeholders who can prevent de-escalation.”
We will place particular emphasis on Community Policing and partnerships, because election security cannot be achieved by police alone.
Emphasizing the need for collective responsibility, the Command called on citizens, churches, businesses, and community leaders to partner with police.
“Election security cannot be achieved by police alone.”
“Our message is: ‘Use your vote, not violence. Choose your leaders peacefully.”
The NCD Metropolitan Command reiterated that a safe Port Moresby is everyone’s responsibility and while officers remain committed to professional and lawful enforcement, the success of these initiatives depends on community cooperation.
“A safe Port Moresby supports tourism. A secure Port Moresby supports investment. A peaceful Port Moresby supports our communities. A peaceful election strengthens our democracy.”
“SAFE CITY. CONFIDENT COMMUNITY. PEACEFUL ELECTION.”
